NSW could have Australia’s first energy self-sufficient town

Uralla could be Australia’s first renewable energy self-sufficient town, following the launch of an energy blueprint.

Installing rooftop solar panels are part of the energy blueprint for Uralla

The blueprint aims to provide the Northern Tablelands’ town with energy savings of up to 70% through energy efficiency and on-site generation.

While announcing the blueprint in Uralla, Environment Minister Mark Speakman said the blueprint would identify how an Australian community could satisfy its energy needs from renewable energy in a competitive way.

“Funded through the Government’s Renewable Energy Action Plan, the Zero Net Energy Town blueprint has the potential to attract renewable energy investment, to build community support and to increase local renewable energy expertise,” he said.

The blueprint suggests that by applying cost-effective energy efficiency actions such as replacing hot water units and installing residential solar panels, Uralla could save up to $2.2 million per year.

The blueprint also says that Uralla could generate 40-70% of its energy needs within five years, through energy efficiency and small scale renewable energy generation.

The project has gained interest from other towns, with more than 20 contacting the project coordinator, Starfish Initiatives, to express interest in taking part in a similar project.